Why We Offer Non-Slip Pads for MERI | Handmade Japanese Zori Slippers

MERI slippers are made from knitted cords created by combining five fine strands of yarn. These cords are then carefully handwoven by skilled artisans, one pair at a time.

In other words, MERI is made from knitwear.

This soft knitted construction is one of the reasons MERI feels so comfortable, but it also means that certain types of flooring can be slippery.

For example, polished stone surfaces such as marble or smooth wooden floors with wax finishes may feel slippery when wearing knit-soled slippers.

In Japan, many people wear MERI not only at home but also in offices.

Office floors are often waxed and carefully maintained, which can make them particularly smooth underfoot.

For this reason, we offer special  non-slip pads designed specifically for MERI.

The pads feature two iconic Japanese motifs: a wave and Mount Fuji.

Each set includes two stickers. Simply peel off the backing and attach them to the bottom of your MERI slippers.

Please attach them as shown above.

While non-slip pads cannot completely eliminate the possibility of slipping, they can provide additional grip and help you feel more secure when walking on smooth surfaces.

MERI is often purchased as a gift for family members and friends.

When choosing a pair for an older loved one, we highly recommend adding a set of non-slip pads as well for extra peace of mind.

One of the unique features of MERI is its traditional zori-style design.

If you are unfamiliar with Japanese footwear, you might think of them as being similar to flip-flops, although the experience of wearing them is quite different.

The thong-style strap fits between the big toe and the second toe, which naturally encourages you to use your toes while walking.

Imagine taking a few steps while wearing zori.

You may notice that your toes naturally engage to help hold the footwear in place.

In contrast, modern shoes usually support the entire foot, making it possible to walk without paying much attention to your toes.

Many MERI wearers tell us that they become more aware of their feet and toes when walking.

Using your toes more consciously can create a feeling of stability and connection with the ground beneath you.

So while this article began as a discussion about non-slip pads, it is also about one of the small pleasures of wearing traditional Japanese-style footwear.

We hope you will enjoy the feeling of walking with greater awareness of your feet, gently gripping the ground with your toes as you move.

It may help you discover a completely different relationship with your feet—one that many people rarely experience in everyday life.

Looking for extra grip? Check out our non-slip pads here.